User:CharCharSalad/Face Washing

Face-washing, also known as facial cleanliness or face cleansing, is the removal of dirt, germs, oil, debris, and any unwanted materials on your face, possibly with the use of soap or cleansing agent and water. These dirt or unwanted substances from cosmetic products and the environment are hardly soluble in simply water. The addition of face cleansing products in daily face washing can help effectively eliminate them by breaking them down into smaller particles.

Before face washing was known to be for hygiene purposes, humans started the practice of face washing for religious or cultural rituals back in history. It has started with simply scraping off the skin using objects like stones. Across civilisation, plants and its components have started to be used for face washing. This method has remained till modern days, with proven benefits available in plant extracts and substances.

The idea of cleansing evolved to serve as means of relaxation. The focus has then shifted to healthy skin and appearance in modern theory, with more cleansing products invented aiming to improve the quality of face washing. These products contain different ingredients, scents, colours to offer a variety of skincare benefits.

Maintaining Skin Hygiene and Cleanliness to Promote Skin Health
Face washing is an action in which we do to maintain skin hygiene by effectively eliminating the accumulated dirt, oil, and debris that settle on the skin's surface during the day.

This is important for getting rid of pollutants, excess oil, and other impurities that can clog the pores and lead to breakouts or skin problems. Regularly cleansing the face can contribute to overall skin health by preventing the buildup of bacteria and reducing the risk of skin conditions such as acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.

Preparing the Skin for Other Skincare Routines
Face-washing also serves as a preparatory step for other skincare routines, such as applying moisturisers, serums, or treatments. This is particularly common in females who do makeup as well. It ensures that the skin is clean and ready to absorb the beneficial ingredients of subsequent products, no matter for a night routine, or for the pre-makeup products.

Skin Types
Although components of the skin carry out similar functions among individuals, skin properties can differ between one another. Helena Rubinstein identified four main skin types in the 1900s, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. There is also normal skin type that describes a well-balanced condition of the skin. These skin types are classified based on factors like the amount of sebum and level of skin hydration.

Dry Skin
Dry skin, also known as xerosis, describes the condition when skin appears to be dull and rough, with pores hardly to be seen. A person with dry skin is more prone to experiencing itch, and redness, as there is a reduced hydration in their skin.

Oily Skin
Oily skin can be easily observed and identified by its enlarged pores and greasy appearance. It is closely related to excess sebum excretion, and can often lead to dermatologic issues like acne.

Combination Skin
Combination skin is the most common skin type. It refers to a person’s skin where some regions are dry and some regions are oily.

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is a special condition when a person’s skin is hyperactive or hypersensitive towards external stimuli. With a weakened barrier in protecting the skin, stimuli like heat, pain, itch, electrical can have greater effect in individuals. This condition also results in higher prevalence in suffering from cutaneous disorders like acne, rosacea, skin allergies and more.

Cleansers
Facial cleansers usually contain common substances such as water, surfactant, moisturisers, binders, fragrance. Some can include preservatives to prevent microorganisms from growing, or fragrances to eliminate the smell of surfactants.

Surfactant
Surfactant is the major component in common cleansers available for face washing products. It determines the main properties of the product and its washing effects. Also known as surface-active agents or emulsifiers, this substance shifts to an interface when it comes into contact with water. This interface describes the area between the surfactant and skin, or the area between the surfactant and air. It helps lower the tension in between layers while localising at the interfaces, and encourages dirt particles and oil to come out as bubbles form. Surfactants can be in ionic, nonionic, or silicon-containing forms. Cleansers can have a mixture of several surfactants to amplify its effects or foaming properties. Common surfactants include soap and synthetic detergents.

Toners and Astringents
Facial toners, also known as astringents or fresheners, composes the second step of face washing. It is responsible for removing excess sebum secretions after the use of cleanser, and creates a mild exfoliating effect for the skin. This helps reduce the stressing sensation of the skin and provide sufficient hydration to secure active ingredients for skin rejuvenation.

Toners can be alcoholic which features denatured ethanol, or non-alcoholic. Toners with specific benefits such as anti-acne or botanically-infused toners have observed rising opportunities in recent years.

Face Washing Techniques
A successful face-washing routine will require the proper techniques to ensure results in achieving good skin health and hygiene. The following techniques can be followed.

Selection of An Appropriate Cleansing Product
To properly wash your face and maintain hygiene, start by choosing a cleanser that caters to your skin type and personal concerns. It is crucial to select a suitable product, whether it is a gentle foaming cleanser, a cream cleanser, or an oil-based cleanser. This may require some time to figure out the best product for you, but keep in mind that there is no “single right product” for everyone.

Face Washing Procedures (Wetting, Cleansing, Massaging)
Wet your face with lukewarm water first to create a clean surface and prepare the skin for deeper cleaning steps.

A small amount of the cleanser should be used and rubbed against your hands to create a lather. Gently apply the lathered cleanser to your face, excluding delicate areas such as the eyes.

After applying evenly across the face, massage the cleanser onto your skin with gentle circular motions. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh materials like a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything other than your fingertips as these can irritate your skin. Focus on employing gentle, upward motions to enhance circulation and facilitate effective cleansing.

Rinsing and Drying the Face
After the massage, rinse with lukewarm water to remove the residual cleanser completely. Try not to use hot water, which can damage the skin’s natural oils.

Dry off your face by gently patting your skin using a soft, clean towel after rinsing. Avoid friction and potential irritation by refraining from harsh rubbing.